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Coconut oil has long been known in many societies as a “superfood.” Along with it being a healthy and delicious choice for consumption, it has been claimed to treat and cure many ailments and conditions. Here are 35 ways in which people have used coconut oil to improve their daily lives as well as liven up their taste buds. Some of these methods are from personal experience and anecdotal evidence, so please do your research and consult a doctor before trying coconut oil to treat specific diseases and conditions.

Use it to stop runny noses by rubbing it inside your nose.

Use it as a substitute for butter and put it on your bread. This makes for great toast.

Use it as flea treatment for your pet.

Ingest it to treat parasites such as ringworms.

If you’re out of lip balm, use coconut oil. It’s a perfect substitute and will keep your lips moist.

Make your own homemade soap with it.

If you need a pick-me-up, ingest coconut oil to get an energy boost.

It can be used as polish to detail a car’s seats and dashboard.

Use it as a lubricant.

If you have GERD or indigestion, ingest coconut oil to help with that.

Apply to your hemorrhoids to help them heal faster.

Drop a few drops in your ear to help with an ear infection.

Use it to mix with other ingredients to make deodorant or to mask foul scents around the house.

Coconut oil can be used as a natural sunscreen.

Apply topically to your face as a makeup remover.

Apply to your skin to use as a natural shaving cream. This is especially effective for shaving smooth areas.

Apply to your stretch marks to make them less visible.

Use it to break in leather.

Apply to the affected area to help with healing insect bites. Or apply to burn areas or areas that are cut.

Use it to condition your hair. This is an excellent conditioner for those that have dandruff or dry scalps.

Use it as massage oil.

Eat with ice cream as a topping.

Mix with other ingredients to repel insects.

Strengthen the immune system by ingesting a spoon of coconut oil a day.

It can be used to alleviate migraines.

Mix with other ingredients (such as tea tree oil) to treat fungal infections such as athlete’s foot.

Use to treat acne.

Put into a cup of tea, coffee, or even smoothie.

Use it to lose weight by cooking your food with it. Coconut oil has been known to speed up your metabolism.

Use it with a towel to get fresh lipstick stains out.

Use it as a mouthwash to prevent tooth decay. To do this, swish around your mouth 10-15 minutes a day. Then spit out and brush your teeth immediately after.

The latest trends in health and fitness seems to take us back to more primitive methods of revitalizing and healing our bodies. From using Aloe vera to treat wounds to eating a paleo diet to slim down, modern medicine is now relying on methods and ingredients that have been around for thousands of years. Now, scientists have a primitive solution to dental decay. Yes, you can prevent tooth decay and cavities by using coconut oil to brush your teeth.

According to the Huffington Post, scientists from Ireland recently found that when digestive enzymes were used to treat coconut oil, the oil became an extremely effective killer of bacteria that forms in and around the mouth. The main bacteria it kills is called streptococcus, an acidic bacteria that causes tooth decay along with cavities. Furthermore, earlier tests indicate that coconut oil is an effective agent in killing bacteria that causes thrush, a yeast infection that forms along the lining of the mouth and the tongue.

Prevention Not Treatment

What this study seems to imply is that coconut oil cannot be used to “cure” already decaying teeth or a cavity that is already there. But rather, it should be used as a preventive measure—to prevent future tooth decay and cavities. So for those with already decaying teeth, this is not the solution. But if you don’t want your other teeth to decay, you might want to start taking extremely good care of your teeth and use coconut oil daily to brush your teeth.

The Future Of Dental Care

What’s in store for the future of dental hygiene and oral care? Well according to researchers of the study, the incorporation of coconut oil into over-the-counter toothpaste is on the horizon. They just have to find out how coconut oil interacts with oral bacteria at the molecular level first.

This would be a refreshing change—to brush with a natural ingredient instead of brushing with the chemical compounds that are currently in today’s toothpaste. But for now, we will just have to settle with making our homemade coconut oil toothpaste. So how exactly are we going to do that? Read on.

Creating Your Own Coconut Oil Toothpaste

You will need an equal amount of coconut oil, baking soda, calcium magnesium powder, green stevia powder (or xylitol), sea salt. On top of that, you will also need a few droplets of trace minerals, and then a little bit of peppermint oil (or any other essential oils). Of course it might take a little bit of trial and error to get the perfect mix. So before making a big batch for a whole months’ use, try making a few little batches first for trial and error.

If you are too lazy to do all that, you can wash your mouth with coconut oil. To do this, all you need is a tablespoon of coconut oil. Swish your mouth with it for 10-15 minutes a day. Then after you are done swishing the coconut oil around, brush your teeth to get all the coconut oil out of your mouth.

Coconut has long been used by many indigenous civilizations as a superfood, used to promote a healthy lifestyle and prevent illnesses. Modern society is now starting to recognize benefits of coconut oil and have slowly adopted the use of it into daily living. But the ascension of coconut oil as a superfood has also been met with a lot of skepticism in the medical community. The controversy isn’t about the harmful properties of coconut oil—scientists all agree that coconut oil, in its raw state, will not harm the human body. The controversy surrounds the purported healing properties of coconut oil. Coconut oil fans claim that the oil has many healing properties and health benefits, such as boosting the immune system as well as reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and even HIV. Many scientists are still unconvinced.

Why The Doubt

The controversy lies in the lack of concrete proof surrounding many of the claimed medical benefits of coconut oil. Although coconut oil has been used for thousands of years, there hasn’t been much research done on its health benefits. But even many of the early research done cannot definitively answer any causal relationship coconut oil has with decreasing illnesses in the body. But that is not a problem with coconut oil, it is a problem inherent in scientific studies. Because our bodies are so complex and studies are unable to isolate multiple variables that the human body reacts to, most studies can only prove correlation—not causation.

Another big reason for doubt in the medical community is the fact that coconut oil is extremely high in saturated fat. High levels saturated fat has long been known to be the “bad fat” when compared to other types of fat. Saturated is frowned upon because it increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes by raising your cholesterol levels. Saturated fat also raises blood pressure in the body by clogging the arteries, making the body work harder to pump blood to the needed areas. However, proponents argue that the saturated fat in coconut oil (medium-chain triglycerides) is not harmful to the heart or the body. MCTs, as it is known, are a type of saturated fat processed differently than other types of saturated fat. Instead of being stored in your body as fat, it is actually stored in the body much like a carbohydrate and expended as energy. By being converted to energy and thereby increasing metabolism, coconut oil theoretically lowers cholesterol and blood pressure in the body.

Conclusion

Although many of the studies done on coconut oil are preliminary and do not yet fully confirm the medical benefits of coconut oil, the future looks more promising. Recent research done by the mainstream medical community shows more favorable results in the use of coconut oil in studies—although short of confirming. Remember, there is a high threshold in the medical research to show a causal relationship. It may be another few years until we can get definitive confirmation. For now, we will just have to rely on anecdotal evidence from thousands of years of history and suggestive evidence from early scientific research.

Although coconut oil has been used for thousands of years, not an abundance of modern research has been done on the effects of coconut oil for health and body purposes. Whatever little research has been done has shown that its abundance in antioxidants and its chemical structure allows for easy and effective absorption by the skin. Within the past several decades, the use of coconut oil as a body application has increased. Many people have sworn by its benefits and continue to use it for cosmetic purposes. If you are new to using coconut oil for cosmetic purposes, here are four tips for you.

As a Moisturizer

Perhaps the most common cosmetic use of coconut oil today is as a moisturizer. Use it all over your body to maintain an attractive complexion. This natural oil has been found to keep the skin well hydrated and smooth, enhancing the appearance of the skin. It is also used by many women as a daily nighttime moisturizer. Application involves massaging the oil all over the face and neck areas, then rinsing off with a cleanser.

Many store-bought moisturizing products contain coconut oil as a basic ingredient. However, natural oil is more potent and cleaner for the skin. The fatty acids in coconut oil help keep the skin hydrated and soft. The oil may absorb slower than other moisturizing products, but its enhancing effects are worth it. As a bonus, coconut oil smells amazing!

Prevents Break-Outs

Coconut oil contains antiviral and antibacterial properties that help fight and prevent acne. It has been found to contain about 50 percent lauric acid. Studies have shown that when present in our bodies, lauric acid destroys organisms such as viruses, fungus, and bacteria. During a break-out, simply rub a small amount on the areas where treatment is needed. You can also apply coconut oil on a daily basis to prevent future break-outs.

As a Deep Conditioner

Virgin organic coconut oil can help bring life to your hair. The molecular structures of the fatty acids allow for it to penetrate through the hair’s shaft easily. This allows the coconut oil to do its job from directly inside, while other conditioners do their job from the outside in. The antifungal feature of coconut oil can also alleviate dandruff on the scalp. Since the dandruff is caused by fungal conditions, massaging the scalp with the oil can help fight the problem.

To deep condition, apply about a teaspoon of coconut oil to the hair while it is damp. It is suggested that you leave it on overnight for more noticeable results. Coconut oil can stain, so be sure to protect your fabric with a towel. This can be done on a weekly basis as a preventive method.

As Makeup Remover For Your Eyes

Coconut oil is very effective in breaking down materials from eye makeup. You just simply put a small amount on a cotton swab and rub it across the areas with makeup around your eyes. While doing so, the coconut oil will simultaneously act as a moisturizer around the eyes.

Buying Coconut Oil

When purchasing coconut oil, try to go for virgin organic oil. It has been shown to be more effective than the processed types sold for commercial uses. This cosmetic substitute for chemically based commercial products is a healthier way to improve the appearance of your skin and hair. On top of that, it’s cheaper!

There has been a huge surge of interest into the benefits of coconut oil. The use of coconut oil has been documented for thousands of years but the mainstream medical community is still slow to research and document the benefits of coconut oil. However those who are fans of coconut oil can perceive its many benefits from early studies done along with millenniums of observed usage. Although coconut oil has many benefits, here are the five most prominent ones.

It may help you lose weight. There is a special type of medium (molecule size) saturated fat contained in coconut oil, called medium-chain triglycerides. Consuming medium saturated fat will make you feel full quicker and thereby suppress your appetite to overeat. Additionally, the medium saturated fat contained in coconut oil contains fewer calories than other types of (long) saturated fats. What is even more awesome is that these medium-chain triglycerides are converted to energy instead of being stored as fat, and thereby burning the calories quicker.

It will give you healthy hair and skin. Coconut oil also provides many cosmetic benefits. Coconut oil provides essential proteins needed for repairing damaged hair. Coconut oil can also help you get rid of dandruff if you are willing to massage the oil into your scalp for several minutes when you shower.

Coconut oil also has antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help prevent sunburns, wrinkles, redness, and even acne. To use coconut oil for skin care, just apply to your skin topically like you would with lotion.

It can help with oral care. Scientists have recently discovered that digestible coconut oil is able to ward off bacteria that cause cavities and tooth decay. Further studies will need to be done to see the extent of its oral bacteria fighting abilities, but for now it is safe to say that using coconut oil is a good preventive measure if you want to avoid tooth decay. If you find that making your own coconut oil toothpaste is too cumbersome, you can take a tablespoon of coconut oil and swish it around your mouth daily.

It may help lower the risk of heart disease. Although its cardiovascular benefits still need to be confirmed by medical studies, early survey evidence suggests that coconut oil is actually healthy for the heart, even when it is high in saturated fat. It does this by lowering your “bad” cholesterol. But not only does it lower your “bad” cholesterol, this oil has also been shown to increase the amount of “good” cholesterol in your system, also called HDL.

It boosts your immune system. Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which has many properties that helps boost your immune system by fighting off viruses, bacteria, and germs. Some studies have also shown that coconut oil also raises your white blood count, which is also important for the body to be able to fend off illnesses. Also, according to recent research, it might also improve the body’s defense against inflammatory diseases, such as tendonitis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Proactiv is a billion dollar conglomerate that makes money off our vanity by selling the solution to clear acne from our faces. It’s a damn expensive solution too. What if I told you that you can clear that acne off your face naturally, without having to put expensive chemicals on your face? Yes, there are many natural solutions to acne that you can find around your house. Here are five great home remedies for treating acne. Try them and let me know how it works.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil contains Capric Acid and Lauric Acid, which are two extremely powerful and natural antibacterial acids. These acids are extremely good at protecting your outer skin layer from acne-causing bacteria. Coconut oil is also rich in Vitamin-E, which is essential in keeping the skin moisturized and healthy. To use coconut oil for acne treatment, just apply topically to the areas that are affected.

Honey

Honey is another extremely effective acne-fighting agent. Honey is great for acne as it cleanses your pores and possesses anti-microbial properties which prevent acne-causing bacterial from growing in the future. Additionally, the stickiness of the honey is able to remove all dead skin from your face. To use honey to treat acne, you will have to make a facial mask, much like an avocado mask.

Oatmeal

Most people don’t think about making a facemask of oatmeal to treat their acne—but that’s exactly what you should do. Oatmeal has many exfoliating properties that make it a great candidate for removing acne. Once the mask is applied, the oatmeal will absorb all the bacteria, remove the excess oil, and get rid of dead skin on your face.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is perhaps the most popular form of acne treatment on this list. Aloe vera has long been known to have wound healing properties and thus is a great for treating scars that are formed from acne. However, it can also be used as a preventive remedy. By applying Aloe vera on a regular basis, you will be able to constantly hydrate your skin and protect the outer layer of the skin from bacteria. There are many ways to use Aloe vera to fight acne. You can apply via soap or lotion. You can apply it as a topical ointment. And if you want to, you can also drink it.

Baking Soda

Like Aloe vera, baking soda serves many purposes other than skin care. The chemical compound that makes up baking soda, sodium bicarbonate, is a popular cleaning agent and does a great job of drying up the excess oil that is often the cause of acne. To use baking soda for treating acne, just mix it with a little bit of water and apply it your face. But because baking soda dehydrates your skin, it is important to apply lotion to your skin after treatment so that your face doesn’t produce more oil.

With all these methods, it is important to use them not only as treatment, but also as a form of prevention. Regularly applying these remedies above will help you in preventing future breakouts.

For the longest time, coconut oil was shunned by the mainstream health and fitness industry. The promises of coconut oil being able to offer weight loss benefits were thought of to be something akin snake oil by those in the medical and health profession. However, recent research has explored the possible benefits of coconut oil—and it turns out that many of the early adopters of coconut oil may be right. Coconut oil may be able to help promote weight loss. If you want to find out how, read on.

How Coconut Oil Promotes Weight Loss

Many of the critics of coconut oil say that it is too high in saturated fat to be able to effectively promote weight loss. This isn’t completely accurate. The saturated fat found in coconut oil is a special derivative of the saturated fats we see in everyday food such as pork, butter, or even chocolate. The type that we see in coconut oil is known as medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). This type of saturated fat is processed differently than other fats when ingested. Instead of being stored as body fat, the body instead uses them as energy. In that sense, it acts much more like a carbohydrate than it does a lipid.

Several studies were conducted to find out the effects of coconut oil in the body. One such study done by the International Journal Of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders discovered that the medium-chain triglycerides in coconut oil increased caloric expenditure in both morbidly obese males and females, thereby promoting weight loss.

So while studies have not been done to directly look at the direct relationship between weight loss and coconut oil, we can see use the causal relationship between increased caloric expenditure and coconut oil.

Promoting Weight Loss The Right Way With Coconut Oil

In order to effectively use coconut oil in a weight loss regimen, you must combine the use of coconut oil with other methods of diet control and exercise. Increasing your calorie expenditure vis-à-vis coconut oil is not enough to see a noticeable drop in weight. Along with using coconut oil to cook, you should lower our calorie consumption in your everyday diet. That means to use lean meat, vegetable, and white meat to complement the use of coconut oil. That also means staying off high calorie snacks such as chips and soft drinks. The ability for coconut oil to expend more energy does not take away the benefits of actual exercise and a proper diet. So if you are fat, you will still be fat whether you cook with coconut oil or not. That is, unless you use coconut oil to cook, but also find a way to incorporate cardio exercise and a healthy diet into your daily life. For those of you who read this article hoping to find the silver bullet to your weight problems, I am sorry to disappoint. Weight loss takes discipline and real work. Coconut oil will help you along the way, but it won’t help you if you won’t help yourself.

Coconut oil has many uses, most of which you probably already know – but have you considered using coconut oil in these 5 unusual ways?

5. Lubricant

Although it would really be a waste of something as great as coconut oil, if you were ever in a bind and really needed lubricant for something (removing a ring, fitting into those tight jeans, etc.) coconut oil could easily be used as a makeshift lubricant. Simply rub it on whatever you need to be lubed up!

4. Make Your Smoothies Smoother

Adding a small amount of coconut oil into your daily smoothie will not only make it even richer and smoother, but will also allow you to get your daily dose of omega-3 fatty acids without having to take a pill or acquire it through other means. This is one of the most efficient methods of consuming coconut oil since you consume it in its pure form which makes it easier for the body to break down.

3. Ant Repellent

Dabbing some coconut oil around any area where ants are entering the house will keep them from entering. They dislike the smell of the oil, plus they’ll find it quite troublesome to actually cross through the oil itself.

2. Car Wax

If you thought coconut oil gave your body a nice shiny coat, you should try it on your car! That’s right – coconut oil when applied to your vehicle will give it a gleam and shine you would have trouble getting with even the highest quality wax.

(… Okay, this one isn’t true. Don’t rub coconut on your car because I have no idea what’ll happen!)

And the #1 most unusual way to use coconut oil is…

1. Aphrodisiac

The lauric acid contained in coconut oil helps the blood in your body to pump more freely and easily… helps it to reach all those… extremities. Slip some coconut oil into your lovers food and behold as they suddenly become “in the mood”. Don’t expect it to work like a magic love potion, though – it simply gives them a nice rush of virility.

Alzheimer’s disease is probably one of the scariest diseases any one of us could ever get – what’s more scary than losing your mind? More scary than being a walking shell of your former self? That’s why when I hear anything about how to prevent Alzheimer’s, I listen intently.

Well it turns out they may have just found a cure – and it isn’t any fancy prescription medication. It’s something you would never expect – simple, old fashioned coconut oil.

See, the brain normally runs on glucose which is primarily made by the body from carbohydrates. With Alzheimer’s, an insulin problem prevents your brain from accepting glucose, and so your brain tissue begins to die. The good news is that your brain can also run on an “alternative” fuel known as ketones – and wouldn’t you guess, coconut oil is a great source of them!